U.S. airlines scrubbed more than 2,100 flights Sunday as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned air travel could slow to a trickle if the shutdown persists into Thanksgiving. The FAA, citing unpaid and dwindling ranks of controllers, ordered cuts at the busiest airports, with reductions rising from 4% to 10% by Nov. 14; about 7,000 delays were logged Sunday. Atlanta led cancellations, followed by Newark, while staffing shortages caused average 75 minute departure waits at Newark and LaGuardia. Duffy cautioned deeper cuts, possibly 20 percent, and massive disruption until controllers are paid.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.